Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Ricky Pearsall

Wednesday, July 23, 5:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) took part in the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to the Indianapolis Star's Joel A. Erickson. It's good to hear that Pittman is practicing on the first day of camp after he dealt with some knee soreness on the last day of OTA practices in the spring. The 27-year-old is the team's unquestioned WR1, but it remains to be seen if it will be Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson Sr. throwing him passes to open the 2025 season in early September. Pittman took a step back in 2024 with a 69-808-3 line in 16 regular-season games (14 starts), primarily because of the turmoil at the QB position. It also didn't help that Josh Downs took a big step forward. He may never see as many targets as he did in 2022 and 2023, and neither Jones nor Richardson will be great for his fantasy value as more of a WR4/flex.

Wednesday, July 23, 6:10 PM

The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that San Francisco 49ers second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) trained off on a side field at training camp practice on Wednesday, but he should be back for Sunday's practice. Pearsall began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but it sounds like he might be activated soon. It's good news for the 49ers with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) potentially not returning until around midseason. In addition, fellow second-year wideout Jacob Cowing injured his hamstring in Wednesday's practice. With Deebo Samuel Sr. now out of town as well, the 24-year-old Pearsall has a major opportunity in 2025 to take the next step if he can stay on the field. If the former first-rounder can put his hamstring issues behind him once and for all, he could be in line for a breakout campaign.